I live in a 1958-62 neighborhood, with a majority of "ranch" homes but a few modern "split levels" (which is what we have). I suppose the area is slightly higher end than what was considered “middle” class for its time.

Our neighborhood is as everyone else who lives in a nice mid-twentieth century neighborhood seems to describe. It's clean, pleasant, friendly, and seems to retain a certain attitude more conducive to humane life. However, I AM concerned about how this “feeling” is maintained. Older folks die. Younger folks take over. Behaving in a friendly, decent, community fashion is not genetic. How do we make sure that the children and new buyers are brought into the “fold” - and share the sense of pride?

Some people will never join up. That’s just a fact. As a member of the Civic League and other sub-committees (as is my wife), we see and wrestle with this issue. One thing’s for sure (despite the fact I was a great renter in my time): Rental properties tend to also be problem properties. Why? Renters generally have less at stake. They care less. (There’s NO reason for anyone to get their hair in a tangle about this statement. It’s a broad statement, but you know darned well it has truth to it.) You aren’t going to change those people. That’s that. Discourage your neighborhood from having rental properties. Write up a charter.

Moving on…

I think a few, simple, healthy gestures make for a cumulative, positive effect:

- Go for strolls. Don’t go for “power walks”.

- Use the various walking and driving routes, not just one.

- Walk your dog, and use a bag.

- Say “Hello”. Wave. Nod. Invite people to neighborhood events.

- CREATE neighborhood events!

- Drive slowly and carefully through your neighborhood.

- Take your sunglasses off when you speak to someone.

- Have your car window down when possible.

- Watch over the older folks. Offer to help. Involve the kids.

- Wave to the kids. Look them in the eye. Know their names just like you do the adults.

- Start a Civic League, establish a Neighborhood Watch, invite the kids as well.

- Start a “Welcome Wagon” program with your Civic League.

- Create a newsletter and a website.

- Have signs at the entrances to your neighborhood announcing when and where your Meetings and Events will happen. Give folks advance notice!

- If your garden is over-producing, bring food gifts to those nearby.

- If they're selling lemonade, even Kool Aid (for which I lost my taste about 50 years ago), stop and buy some.

- Hire kids to mow your lawn.

- Have neighborhood events just for them. (For example, we have an Easter Egg Hunt, a Xmas in the Park with Santa, Fourth of July cookout, National Night Out with the kids decorating their bikes for a parade and awards, etc.) Of course the adults are there, and end up mingling anyhow…

You get the idea. You probably have no larger an investment, nor a more important location in your life than your home and neighborhood. They are NOT self-maintaining machines. Think of them as you (hopefully) do your car. They REQUIRE your attention and involvement.

If you have additional ideas, please offer them to me for possible inclusion.

futures@exis.net

Put "Positive Neighborhood Suggestions" in the Subject line.

Ronn Ives at FUTURES Antiques

================================================

And I've now received a very good one:

"It's funny you have that article up there because all of my friends have become very envious of my neighborhood (which is a 1950's-mid 1960's neighborhood of ranches and split-levels in Northeast Norfolk called Camellia Gardens... they live in much fancier neighborhoods)...we DO all of the things on your list, at least on my block we do. We all hang out together, tonight we are hosting a little cookout, last night we roasted marshmallows at one of the neighbors' houses in the back yard...we ate a wonderful breakfast at the same neighbors' house by their pond that morning. The wonderful lady next to me makes all of us coffee on the weekends and we freely float in and out of her house, some of us bring sugar, others cream, and there's usually an impromptu breakfast too. We chase each others dogs down when they get loose, we watch the neighborhood kids when someone is in a bind, we definitely look after the older crew on the block by watering their flowers and running errands for them and just being there in an emergency or to simply to visit. We share plants and vegetables from the gardens, we stand on the curb chatting until well after dark on those long summer evenings and skateboard and bike in the roads...even at our age(!), we wave and chat with anyone walking by. Everyone has everyone else's phone numbers. We've all become much more than aquaintances over the past 5 years that we've lived here, so much more than good neighbors...these people have actually become friends. It's a warm and secure feeling knowing that someone is looking out for your house and for you. There are at least 7 houses right here on my block that I would not hesitate to knock on the door of at 2 a.m. if I was alone and needed help...and I know any one of them would take me in if something dreadful happened at our house. Nobody I know lives in a neighborhood like this, a neighborhood that has retained the charms of the quintessential, friendly 50's neighborhood...and the families range in age from the 80's down to the 20's. You really can't put a price on something like that, to me, it makes my little 1959 ranch worth DOUBLE what they say it's worth...which is why you'd have to really tempt me with something fabulous to get me to move out of my wee retro house...a warm, friendly, community oriented neighborhood is priceless and I feel incredibly lucky to have fallen in love with the perfect house in the perfect place.

I'll think of other ideas to add to your article and get back to you, but I HAD to share my little story. But for now, the burgers and hot dogs are almost done and my neighbors/friends are here so I must sign off! Enjoy your evening!

Melissa Searing"

====================================================